garage doors: why two springs are better than one

How does a garage door spring system work?

All garage doors need springs to help the door lift and descend. These are typically called torsion springs. They are mounted in a horizontal fashion above the opening of the door. The cables that are attached to the bottom corners of the door help make the springs wind up while the door comes down. This creates a momentum that helps lift the garage door.

It is important to take into consideration how many springs you put in based on the types of garage door. For example, if you have a two door garage - it is necessary to get two springs instead of one. 

Two springs will help to keep the life of the garage door much longer. Otherwise, you will have to be calling a garage door repair technician sooner than later.

What are the two types of garage door springs?

There are a few different variations of garage door springs but mainly two types.

The two main types of garage door springs are: extension springs and the other are called torsion springs. 

What type of garage door spring is best?

The torsion spring system is the best! This is because they are so much more reliable and safer than the usual extension springs. They also have a longer life span.

​Are torsion springs better than extension Springs?

Definitely yes!

Because torsion springs are stronger and have a longer life span than extension springs; usually about 15,000 to 20,000 cycles, they have greater balance and are smoother in function. Extension springs for example tend to jerk when the door moves.

Does a garage door opener need a torsion spring?

Yes, because torsion springs are a counterweight to the garage door. They are very important components of garage door systems because they regulate the motion of opening and closing.

How much does it cost to have a garage door spring installed?

To have a garage door replacement ranges between $150 to $350. Garage door springs cost about about $30 to $80. However, commercial garage door springs will cost over $300.

Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

It is extremely dangerous to open a garage door with a broken spring. Because of how heavy a garage door is, trying to open it without the proper support could cause a lot of damage. Not to mention, if it does open and then doesn't close again - your garage interior is susceptible to the outside. This is the time you have to call an overhead door company near you.

How do I choose a garage door extension spring?

It is important to know the weight of your garage door when determining the type of garage door spring to buy. For example, if your door is about 170 pounds, it is best to get two 160 pound lift springs because it is better to get a lighter strength but two, than one. This way the door stays down when closed and up when opened.

Should I replace both garage door springs?

When you open your garage door, the door springs relax and energy is released thus lifting the door. Old springs lose their tension over the years, so it is crucial that you replace them after a certain time and make sure that all door springs match.

What happens if garage door spring breaks?

It is important that both garage door springs are equal in age and strength because if one spring breaks, the door may become crooked as it goes up and down the door track. This throws the whole spring system out of whack. This ends up affecting the cables and pulley system. So make sure to call your local garage door repair technician. 

What are the best garage door torsion springs?

Five Best Garage Door Springs:

1. DURA-LIFT Heavy Duty Extension Garage Door Spring 2-Pack. 
2. GDN Garage Door Torsion Spring.
3. ZhenT Garage Door Torsion Springs 2” (Pair) 
4. SS TS20207 Garage Door Torsion Springs with Winding Bars. 
5. ZhenT Garage Door Torsion Springs 1.75” (Pair)​ ​

Can garage door springs kill you?

People have been maimed and some even killed from trying to fix their garage door springs. Torsion springs are the most dangerous because when stretched at their fullest they gain a powerful momentum force.